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Project Grand Path (PGP) is Grand Valley State University’s innovation studio within the futurEDlab, part of Information Technology – Innovation & Research (I&R), and operates as a core component of the Innovation + Research Education Futures Collaboratory and Ecosystem. The Project Grand Path Studio is located in the Consumers Energy (John G. Russell Leadership) Building in downtown Grand Rapids.

Launched in the Winter 2023 semester, Project Grand Path is an innovative, experiential, and student-led initiative focused on exploring how emerging technologies—including artificial intelligence (AI), extended reality (XR), immersive media, and digital design—can transform education and the future of work. From its inception, interdisciplinary teams of students, faculty, and staff have collaborated on real-world projects, including the development of a financial literacy application and a media visualization that examines what the future of education may look like.

Throughout the design and development process, student teams have worked iteratively to create mock-ups, scripts, and storyboards, refining ideas to arrive at a shared vision for innovative educational experiences. This hands-on, collaborative approach emphasizes problem-solving, communication, and next-generation technical skills, providing a meaningful complement to traditional lecture-based classroom learning.

Situated at the intersection of technology, creativity, and learning, Project Grand Path offers a space for experimentation, collaboration, and discovery. By connecting students, faculty, and community partners through interdisciplinary teamwork and experiential projects, PGP advances GVSU’s mission while preparing students to navigate and lead within an evolving digital landscape.

To empower students to learn through innovation, lead through collaboration, and create solutions that advance education and community impact.

We focus on:

• Advancing digital transformation across higher education and community spaces.
• Providing experiential learning through hands-on, project-based internships.
• Cultivating a pipeline of creative technologists and project leaders ready for the future of work.

PGP interns gain professional experience by working on real projects that integrate design, development, and research. Each project team blends technical, creative, and project management skills—mirroring professional innovation studios.

Students learn to:

• Apply human-centered design and agile project management methods.
   
• Collaborate across disciplines and communicate with diverse stakeholders.
   
• Track milestones, budgets, and documentation in fast-paced environments.
   
• Present, publish, and showcase their work across campus and beyond.

REP4ⓇFinLit is a financial literacy application that was created for students and created by students. 

It is a new approach to financial literacy that will establish an ecosystem of support for students as both learners and creators of financial education content. 

The ability for college students to make progress toward their passions, dreams, and career aspirations is often hampered by financial constraints. 

This partnership between Grand Valley State University and Fifth Third Bank Foundation will better prepare students to pursue their personal and professional goals through comprehensive, accessible, and learner-driven financial education.

Project Grand Path is led by Amanda “Manny” Clouse (they/them), Studio Coordinator for the futurEDlab within IT Innovation + Research at Grand Valley State University. With a bachelor’s degree in Digital Animation & Game Design, Manny serves as Project Grand Path’s project manager, guiding interdisciplinary teams of students, faculty, and community partners through the design and development of innovative, technology-driven educational experiences.

Interested in sharing an idea to explore, experience, or experiment? Whether you’d like to tour the studio, propose a project, or host an innovation session, Manny welcomes collaborators to connect and partner in imagining, reaching higher, and creating the next generation of education. Connect with them via email at [email protected].

Step 1: Meet

• Start with a consultation with Manny Clouse to share your vision. Together, we’ll define the project scope, student focus, timeline, outcomes, and resources. We will explore:
  • Project Scope: What is the overall idea and focus of the project?
  • Student Focus: Should this involve students from specific majors, academic levels, or disciplines?
  • Timeline & Deadlines: Are there fixed deadlines, or can the timeline be flexible?
  • Desired Outcomes: What does success look like for your project?
  • Funding & Resources: Is funding available to support student involvement? If not, are you seeking space usage only?
  • Student Involvement: Will Manny recruit and hire interns, or will the project rely on existing student teams?
  • Flexibility: Are all project details finalized, or will students be expected to develop and adapt as the project evolves?

Step 2: Plan

• We’ll design a semester roadmap that outlines student involvement, workload, studio time, and team composition. You’ll also decide your preferred level of engagement—weekly check-ins, milestone meetings, or in-studio visits.

Step 3: Launch

• Once everything is set, our student team begins bringing your project to life. Guided by staff and faculty, students will research, prototype, and build while you stay connected through regular updates.

Step 4: Deliver

• At the end of the semester, you’ll see the results—whether it’s a working prototype, creative media piece, or full implementation—built by students and shaped by your vision.